Oxnard
RANK #964 / 996 NAT · #39 / 43 CA · POP 842,009
1YR FORECAST: -0.5%
5YR OUTLOOK: +6%
Ventura County, California, stands out for its natural amenities, a characteristic often cited by locals. It was once ranked the most desirable place to live in the country based on its climate, topography, and scenery. Located along the Pacific Ocean, roughly an hour north of Santa Monica, the county offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle with access to beaches like those in Ventura and Oxnard, and opportunities for surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Inland, the landscape transitions to rolling hills and mountains, providing extensive hiking and biking trails in areas like the Santa Monica Mountains and Harmon Canyon Preserve. Notable towns include Ojai, known for its artistic community and wellness focus, and Camarillo, which offers a suburban atmosphere. Commute options to Los Angeles include Metrolink trains and carpool lanes on major freeways.
Life in Ventura County appeals to families and those seeking a balance between a quieter lifestyle and access to urban centers. The county's public school system serves 12 cities and communities, with districts like Conejo Valley Unified and Oak Park Unified recognized for their schools. The economy is diverse, with strengths in agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and public administration. While economic growth has been slower compared to other parts of Southern California, there is ongoing investment in commercial and residential sectors, as well as in renewable energy infrastructure.
Overvalued relative to economy
Above national median
Prices declining
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 11.0x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Ventura Energy Storage (Saticoy Energy Storage Project)
Strata Solar (now Strata Clean Energy)
|
$100M | Operating |
|
Maple Court Apartment Complex (350 units)
Unknown
|
$100M | Proposed |
|
Black Walnut Battery Energy Storage (2 facilities)
esVolta
|
$50M | Operating |
|
Ventura Compressor Modernization Project
SoCalGas
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Olivas Park Drive Extension and Levee Project
City of Ventura
|
$50M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
The data is not encouraging — Ventura County scores just 2/100 on the Boom Town Index, ranking #964 of 996 counties. Job growth at +1.9% and median household income of $102,141 reflect an economy that has been contracting or stagnating relative to the rest of the country.
Affordability is a real challenge in Ventura County. The median home is valued at $719,100 — with an income-to-home-value ratio of just 0.14, that's significantly harder to afford than in most U.S. counties. Median rent runs $2,140/month.
Employers in Ventura County are hiring — job growth of +1.9% — but the population is close to flat (-0.4% YoY). Home values moved -1.1% over the past year. Labor demand is outpacing local population growth, which tends to tighten wages and housing.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.36% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Ventura County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.